Munich -- fg microtec, the global supplier of embedded PFC(TM) (predictive flow control) software solutions and supporter of the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA), announces the availability of fgMIM, an instant messaging building block including a voice over IP application powered by fg microtec's PFC(TM) data acceleration technology. This building block allows handset manufacturers to select software modules to create and customize instant messaging applications for next generation mobile phones, such as push-to-talk, video or picture messaging, SMS and email.

The fgMIM is an open toolbox which enables manufacturers to mix and match applications from various developers. As an additional value-ad, fg microtec offers a full integration service to help manufacturers design their own specific instant messenger in a very short time. There is an undeniable trend in the mobile industry towards more personalisation and the ability to offer fully customized instant messaging solutions.

With the fgMIM building blocks handset manufacturers gain unparalleled flexibility compared to standard offerings and are in a better position to beat their competitors in the race to integrate the most desired new features first. "Most manufacturers we speak to complain about the time it takes to have a new feature designed into their handsets by the application software vendors - only to find that when it's finally done the competition has been faster," said Olaf Braune, VP Product Management at fg microtec. "fg microtec's thinking is to offer a flexible toolbox in source code to allow handset manufacturers all the freedom they need to become independent, thereby considerably accelerating the design process."